EDFL 2018: Premier Division coaches give their premiership tips

After an enthralling home-and-away campaign, EDFL Premier Division finals kick off this weekend. Who will hoist the silverware on September 16? We asked the men who know best — the coaches.

SIX teams were in flag contention for most of the Essendon District Football League Premier Division home-and-away season.

Maribyrnong Park, so brilliant early in the campaign, limped to the finish line with five wins from its last 12 fixtures as injuries took their toll.

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Pascoe Vale, as talented as any of its rivals, found form at the end of the season and won its last five games. But it was too little, too late for the Panthers.

It has left Keilor, Aberfeldie, Strathmore and Greenvale vying for the ultimate prize, with finals kicking off this weekend.

All clubs have shown they are capable of hoisting the silverware, but who will fire when it matters most?

Aberfeldie moves into celebration mode after last year’s flag. Can Abers go back-to-back? Picture: Hamish Blair

Keilor, led by master coach Mick McGuane, has won 11 of its past 12 games and has the chance to earn a direct passage through to the decider when it tackles Aberfeldie in a major semi-final at Windy Hill on Saturday.

The Blues have been hit hard by injuries in 2018, but they have most of their best team on the field at the right time.

Keilor captain Dylan Joyce and coach Mick McGuane after the club’s 2016 flag. Picture: Kylie Else

Abers produced some indifferent form earlier in the year, with regular changes to the side affecting their form as they chase back-to-back premierships.

They have won five in a row, including the scalps of Greenvale, Maribyrnong Park and Strathmore, to send a notice of warning to their rivals and are statistically the best defensive team in the competition.

Strathmore and Greenvale lock horns this season. Picture: Mark Dadswell

What about Strathmore? Yes, it went down to Aberfeldie in Round 18, but Nathan Grima’s team has recovered brilliantly from a 2-3 start to finish at 13-5.

Statistically, the Mores are the third-best defensive team in finals — behind Keilor and Aberfeldie — but have only conceded more than 10 goals twice since Round 6.

Paul Chapman’s Greenvale coughed up a chance to secure a top-two berth with a final round loss against Essendon Doutta Stars, which came a week after it ended Keilor’s 10-game winning run.

The Jets have looked for a better balance between attack and defence this year after losing last year’s grand final to Aberfeldie.

They will meet Strathmore on Sunday in an elimination final.

So who will lift the premiership cup at Windy Hill on September 16?

We asked some of this year’s coaches:

Robbie Castello (Maribyrnong Park)

Premiership tip: Aberfeldie

Why: “I believe anyone can win it. My tip would be Abers v Keilor grand final and think Abers will be too good on the day. They have a lot of experience on each line, which I believe will give them the edge.”

Ross Terranova (Glenroy)

Premiership tip: Keilor

Why: “Well-drilled and well-organised across the board. Running halfback line with great midfield depth who are also goalkickers. Strong front half led by (Dean) Galea, (Matthew) Clark and (Josh) Martin. Best side we faced during the year.”

Donald McDonald (Avondale Heights)

Premiership tip: Keilor

Why: “Just so strong, well-drilled and balanced, and players with X-factor.”

Digby Morrell (West Coburg)

Premiership tip: Aberfeldie

Why: “Best defensive unit and they have been there before.”

The four clubs competing in finals are established powerhouses, having shared the past seven top-flight premierships.

Aberfeldie has claimed two of the past three flags.